SoolNua releases 2015 city and country rankings

SoolNua releases 2015 city and country rankings for SoolNua World ICECREAM Index

Monday, 14 September – Today SoolNua released the 2015 city and country rankings in the inaugural SoolNua World ICECREAM Index. Top of the list was Slovenia, followed by England with Iceland in third place. The initiative was launched in May 2015 at IMEX Frankurt and nominations for locations all over the world serving the best ice cream were accepted by SoolNua until 17 July. From then until 1 September (00.00 GMT) voting lines were open and nominees engaged proactively with their communities and fans seeking votes on the dedicated website. Voting closed on 1 September and then the international judging panel evaluated the entries with specific focus on the campaigns they conducted.

“ICECREAM is a universal treat yet each destination around the world has its own unique recipes and flavours. The SoolNua World ICECREAM Index is really telling two stories – one story is about great ICECREAM and where you can find it, the other is about pride of place and community engagement and how destinations can build profile and presence in unique and unusual ways” said Patrick Delaney, joint managing Partner at SoolNua.

“We were overwhelmed by the reaction to the initiative with nominations coming from all over the world. The last two weeks of voting were like an exciting end-to-end football match with constant changes on the leaderboard as nominees tried new ways to increase votes. The overall winner, Slovenia, impressed the judges with their impressive tally of votes (almost 10,000) but also with the systematic ways they worked together around vote management, creative initiatives to increase votes and sheer, unbridled commitment to winning!” added Pádraic Gilligan, joint Managing Partner at SoolNua.

Full rankings for individual stores, cities and countries are available here. The 2016 SoolNua World ICECREAM Index will launch again at IMEX Frankfurt in April 2016. Further details at www.soolnua.com

Contact:
Aoife McCrum
Manager, Social Media & Digital Marketing
aoife@soolnua.com

Slovenian Convention Bureau appoints SoolNua

Slovenian Convention Bureau appoints SoolNua
to advise on Strategy and Marketing for MICE

The Slovenian Convention Bureau has retained Ireland-based Meetings & Events consultancy SoolNua to advise them over the next 12 months on strategy and marketing for the lucrative meetings, incentives, conferences and events (MICE) sector.

Announcing the appointment, Miha Kovačič, Director of the Slovenian Convention Bureau, said “After a decade of promoting and positioning Slovenia as a MICE destination it is time to go into a higher gear. We want SoolNua to take us to the next level. SoolNua owners Patrick Delaney and Pádraic Gilligan have immense industry experience and can help us drive forward with an compelling, engaging story of Slovenia as a MICE destination”.

SoolNua Managing Partner, Patrick Delaney said “We started as a DMC in Ireland and, from the outset, realized our first challenge was to build destination awareness. Slovenia has made great strides as a MICE destination but remains a shy, hidden gem. It needs to amplify its voice and tell its wonderful story with confidence and conviction. We are truly privileged to play a part in bringing this about”.

Gilligan added “During our recent trips to Slovenia we’ve been impressed by the quality of the MICE product. Slovenia may be small country but it offers extraordinary variety from city to countryside and mountain to maritime. Most of all there’s a palpable energy about the place, an easy friendliness in its people, a sense of welcome, a can-do attitude. As MICE buyers look increasingly for experiential authenticity, Slovenia is destined to emerge strongly”.

About the Slovenian Convention Bureau
The Slovenian Convention Bureau was established by the industry in 2004 to develop, position and promote the Slovenian meetings industry in the international market place and to represent the voice of the industry to the National Government. The Slovenian Convention Bureau is also the organiser of of Conventa, a trade show and exhibition that showcases the “New Europe” to international meetings and events planners.

About SoolNua
Established in early 2014 by Patrick Delaney and Pádraic Gilligan, SoolNua works with destinations, hotels and venues on MICE related matters including strategy, marketing and training. Delaney and Gilligan are former directors of MCI and the founders of Ovation Global DMC.

Istanbul Named Best Meeting Destination by Kongres Magazine

Istanbul Named Best Meeting Destination by Kongres Magazine

LONDON (January 2015) – Istanbul has won the Meeting Star Award 2014, being named Best Meeting Destination by Kongres Magazine after it visited and evaluated no less than 45 destinations. 

Istanbul was judged to be the Best Meeting Destination as part of the Meeting Star Award 2014 after 45 destinations were compared taking into account natural and cultural factors, general and transport infrastructure as well as tourist infrastructure.

The Meetings Star Award 2014 was presented to Istanbul at a gala reception at Slovenia Convention Bureau’s Conventa 2015 in Ljubljana, Slovenia, on 21 January, with Istanbul Convention & Visitors Bureau – ICVB’ s Vice President Bahadir Yasik and General Manager Ozgul Ozkan Yavuz in attendance.

Ozgul Ozkan Yavuz, General Manager of ICVB, says: “We are thrilled that Istanbul has been selected as the best meeting destination – a city of both historical and natural beauties dating at least 8500 years. As a historical meeting point between East and West and spanning two continents, today’s Istanbul is a Top 10 Meeting & Congress destination offering unique and exciting venues. The city has the capacity to host every type of event, from bespoke incentives to meetings for up to 30,000 for corporate and leisure visitors alike. Combined with Istanbul’s historic venues, palaces, cisterns and the like, it offers meeting planners a variety of remarkable options to create truly outstanding events.”

Easily accessible from around the world, Istanbul is served by nearly 300 international airlines at its two airports. Turkish Airlines, named ‘Best Airline Europe’ by Skytrax for four years running, has a network of more than 260 direct flights and flies to more countries than any other airline in the world. With an almost 94,000-bed capacity, accommodation in the city offers a selection across the spectrum. 

Istanbul was ranked 8^th in the world by the International Congress and Convention Association in its 2013 Rankings for Cities and Countries and 1^st for large congresses of 300-500 guests.

EIBTM CONFIRMS IMPRESSIVE LINE UP OF EXHIBITORS FOR 2014

EIBTM CONFIRMS IMPRESSIVE LINE UP OF EXHIBITORS FOR 2014
FOLLOWING THE SUCCESS OF 2013 SHOW

EIBTM (http://www.eibtm.com) the global event for the meetings and events industry, has confirmed that major industry bellwethers have signed up, confirming their participation at the 2014 show, which is set to take place 18th – 20th November in Fira Gran Via, Barcelona.

Exhibitors who have already signed up to attend the show include: Austrian National Tourist Office, Tourism Ireland, Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions, Ministry of Culture and Tourism – Turkey, Korea Tourism Organization, Marriott Hotels International, Kempinski, Hyatt Hotels, Wedgewood DMC Group, Brand USA and German Convention Bureau.

Ursula Winterbauer, Head of International Business at the German Convention Bureau (GCB), commented, ”The opportunity to connect with many high calibre buyers and events planners all under one roof is invaluable. We value our business relationships and are always keen to expand our network of contacts – in this way; the ability to meet face to face is crucial. There are many advantages to holding events and conferences in Germany, and EIBTM provides us with the perfect platform to showcase these assets to visitors.”

The positive response received is a direct reflection of the success of the new floor layout, which was implemented for 2013 as well as the high volume of quality one-to-one appointments totaling over 65,089, which were pre-scheduled in advance of the event between exhibitors and Hosted Buyers.

Mr. Miha Kovacic, Director, Slovenia Convention Bureau who exhibited at EIBTM 2013 commented, “We have had a good number of meetings of high quality at EIBTM 2013. We feel the new set up is a lot better as they have created more walkways, making our stand a lot more accessible and easy to find. Our oxygen bar in the innovation zone gives us an opportunity to showcase Slovenia, with a difference, and connect with businesses in an innovative way. I have been attending EIBTM for 17 years and I will definitely be here in 2014.”

Graeme Barnett, Exhibition Director EIBTM, Reed Travel Exhibitions, commented, “EIBTM saw an increase of 7.7% in trade visitor attendance and once again attracted the highest quality Hosted Buyers placing international business. We are delighted with the response we have had so far and it is great that companies are signing up early to make the most of what EIBTM has to offer as a year round marketing tool to target international buyers and maximise their exposure. As the leading event for the global meetings, events and business travel industry, our primary aim is to deliver quantifiable return on investment through targeted and relevant business connections.”

Reed Travel Exhibitions are encouraging companies to take advantage of the opportunities available at this three days dynamic business event and confirm their participation early, to maximise the return on investment from the show and secure their preferred location. Companies interested in exhibiting at EIBTM 2014 should contact their Account Manager or the EIBTM Team at eibtm@reedexpo.co.uk or on +44 (0) 20 8910 7710.

Join EIBTM on Linked in, Twitter and Facebook.

IMEX Group issues findings from tenth Politicians Forum debate – Destinations urged to use report content to increase local political support

IMEX Group issues findings from tenth Politicians Forum debate – Destinations urged to use report content to increase local political support
The IMEX Group has today issued a public report on the findings of the IMEX Politicians Forum discussion held during IMEX in Frankfurt in May this year.

With meetings and business events integral to the development of knowledge-based economies and increasingly central to the prosperity and future growth of nations and cities around the world, the annual IMEX Politicians Forum in Frankfurt provides both a private and a public platform to review industry progress.

The latest report provides an overview of the days’ content, including the case studies and papers presented by Business Events Sydney, Bordeaux, the European Society of Cardiology, Excel – London, Germany, Mexico and San Diego.

Close to 130 participated in the Forum, including politicial representatives and industry leaders. This year’s special guest speaker was Sir Rocco Forte, Chairman of The Rocco Forte Hotels Group. The Forum’s keynote speaker was Nick de Bois, MP, Chair of the UK All Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Events. 36 politicians and government officials from 16 countries also participated – the largest number to date. They represented: Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Poland, Saudi Arabia, Slovenia, South Africa, Sweden and the UK.

One high point was the participation of Gloria Guevara Manzo, State Secretary of Tourism, Mexico, and member of President Calderon’s cabinet. She spoke about her country’s continued growth and ambition. Now one of the world’s top 15 economies, 190 million tourists visited Mexico in 2011, almost 23 million of which were international travellers. Manzo explained that Mexico’s goal is to become one of the world’s top five destinations by 2018 and recognises that meetings, incentive travel and events have a part to play in reaching that target.

Together with its three partner associations (AIPC, JMIC and European Cities Marketing), the IMEX Group hopes that destinations and convention and visitor bureaus in particular will use the report to encourage further political engagement in – and understanding of – the industry among their local political representatives. Its findings also demonstrate how far the industry has developed over the past 10 years and how much more assertive, cohesive and informed it has become.

The IMEX Group furthered its commitment to industry development through political influence at IMEX America this year when it held the first ever Political Advocacy Forum in conjunction with partners, the US Travel Association. This Forum was attended by special guest, Mayor of Las Vegas, Carolyn Goodman, together with CEO of US Travel, Roger Dow and close to 100 participants and media took part. IMEX will further advance its advocacy efforts in 2013 through PCMA’s new Industry Business Forum for local leaders.

IMEX has also made a 3-minute informational video available for free industry download. The video explains the importance of lobbying at a local level and is designed to be viewed by destinations and local government representatives alike.

A full copy of the IMEX in Frankfurt Politicians Forum Report plus a shorter summary is available online.

The IMEX Politicians Forum in Frankfurt is co-organised by ECM (European Cities Marketing) and AIPC (International Association of Congress Centres) and held under the auspices of JMIC (Joint Meetings Industry Council). It is supported by the German Convention Bureau (GCB), the Frankfurt Convention Bureau, Messe Frankfurt, International Meetings Review, Brähler and Sixt.

Whole World. One Exhibition.

Today at Baku Expo Centre the 11th Azerbaijan International Tourism and Travel Fair, AITF 2012, opened. The largest tourist forum in both the country and the entire Caspian region once again brings together tourism professionals from national tourism organizations, travel agencies, airlines, hotels and resorts.

With the slogan “The Whole World, One Exhibition”, AITF 2012 has brought together a record number of participants. There are 201 companies and organizations from 32 countries, presenting 62 tourism destinations. Azerbaijan, Georgia, India, Cyprus, Malaysia, the UAE, Russia, Turkey and the Czech Republic are among the permanent participants in AITF. Companies from Qatar, Poland, Vietnam, Lithuania, Slovakia and Croatia are all making their debut at this year’s show. In total, this year’s exhibition includes 15 national and regional stands from Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Georgia, Dagestan, India, Cyprus, Crimea, Lithuania, Malaysia, Slovenia, Turkey, the Czech Republic, the Emirate of Dubai, the Stavropol region and Croatia.

The official opening ceremony was attended by the Minister of Culture and Tourism of Azerbaijan, Mr Abulfas Garayev; the Advisor to the Turkish Ambassador in Azerbaijan on Culture and Information, Mr Said Ahmad Arslan; the Deputy Minister of Economy, Energy and Tourism of Bulgaria, Mr Ivo Marinov; a representative from the World Tourism Organization, Ms Alla Pirisolova; and the director of Iteca Caspian, Mr Farid Mamedov. Opening the exhibition, Minister Garayev thanked the organizers of AITF 2012, and noted that the exhibition is considered by international organizations to be the most influential in providing impetus to the development of the tourism industry.

The representative from the World Tourism Organization, Ms Alla Pirisolova, read a letter from the Secretary General of the WTO, Mr Taleb Rifai, who noted that AITF offers great opportunities for tourism development.

At the opening ceremony, Bulgarian Deputy Minister of Economy, Energy and Tourism Mr Ivo Marinov highlighted that it was the first time that Bulgaria had taken part in AITF to promote its tourism potential.

The Advisor to the Turkish Ambassador in Azerbaijan on Culture and Information, Mr Said Ahmad Arslan, noted that AITF is an important event for increasing the awareness of the global community about the country’s development.

Director of Iteca Caspian Mr Farid Mamedov welcomed all participants on behalf of the organizers, and thanked the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Azerbaijan, as well as other the agencies, partners and sponsors who had provided support for the exhibition.

The unconditional prestige of the exhibition and the considerable attention paid to Azerbaijan’s booming tourism industry is underlined by the participation of the World Tourism Organization with its own stand.

This is the third consecutive year in which Turkey has been the partner country of the exhibition. For the firs time, AITF has its own guest country, namely, Bulgaria.

Over the next three days, travel industry professionals will get a unique chance to meet the major companies in the global travel industry, to experience the flavour of each and every country represented at the national stands and to expand their portfolio of tourist destinations.

The exhibition is very attractive with the offers of various recreation and travel opportunities. Medical tourism is widely represented by resorts in Bulgaria, Russia, Slovenia, Ukraine and the Czech Republic. Azerbaijani tourists are well familiar with the resort cities of Essentuki, Zheleznovodsk, Kislovodsk, Mineral Waters, Pyatigorsk and Truskavets, which are all represented at AITF 2012. They will be complemented by Crimean resorts and a number of medical and health organizations, including the National Spa Association of Lithuania and Slovenia’s regional administration, the Land of Celje, which includes six luxury thermal spa resorts.

As is tradition, the exhibition includes a stand organized by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Azerbaijan Republic, and the upcoming 2012 Eurovision Song Contest provides the main theme for the display. Presentations of new projects and developments in the field of leisure and adventure in Azerbaijan will be made by the nation’s leading travel agencies, recreation centres and health resorts, as well as by major hospitality chains operating in Baku, including Fairmont, Hilton Baku, Four Seasons and Park Inn.

Those who admire exotic destinations will be offered interesting, and sometimes bizarre suggestions for holidays in Thailand, Mauritius and the Seychelles.

The biggest stand at the exhibition will once again be claimed by Turkey, which maintains its leading position among the tourists visiting Azerbaijan. Resorts on the famous Turkish Riviera, and well-known hotels and tour companies from different regions of the country will offer visitors trips to both popular and hitherto unexplored corners of Turkey.

A large delegation has arrived at AITF from Croatia. This is certainly in part due to the abolition of visa requirements for citizens of Azerbaijan travelling to Croatia till the end of October 2012. On the Croatian stand, tours will be offered, with accommodation at the best hotels on the Adriatic coast; visitors will be introduced to the sights of the country and will be invited to attend the numerous cultural events held annually in the capital city and the provinces.

This year, there is an increase in the number of airlines announcing their special offers for the Azerbaijani market. AZAL (also acting as the official air carrier), AirAstana, AirBaltic, Qatar Airways, Fly Dubai, Czech Airlines and Turkish Airlines will present their most affordable scheduled and charter flights for the summer tourist season.

Every year, AITF attracts more tourism professionals from around the world. This year’s business programme is full of thematic presentations and seminars. One of the most interesting events on the first day of the exhibition promises to be a seminar on the “Tourism opportunities in the countries of the Visegrad Group”. This will be attended by representatives of the national tourism agencies of Hungary, Poland, Slovakia and the Czech Republic, and the managers of major host companies, hotel chains, resorts and airlines in these countries.

A presentation of the hotels and resorts covered by the scheduled flights of Qatar Airways will take place in the first two days of the exhibition; the National Tourism Authority of Thailand will be holding a presentation on its exotic resorts; Croatian companies and tourism organizations will be holding a series of workshops; and the Azerbaijani travel agency, SW Travel, will launch a new online booking system.

In parallel with AITF, the 6th International Exhibition of “Everything for Hotels, Restaurants and Supermarkets”, HOREX Azerbaijan, is taking place.During the exhibition, leading companies from Austria, Italy, Germany, Belgium, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine and France will demonstrate professional kitchen equipment, laundry facilities, household chemicals, textiles and exclusive dishes for motels, restaurants and hotels. In addition, information technology products for hotels, such as online booking and online payment systems, will also be on display. The exhibition includes well-known brands in the hospitality industry, such as La Cimbali, Santos, Robot Coupe, Rational, Winterhalter, Karma-Global, Rotondi, Scotsman, Modular, Bonnet, Sagi SPA, Rovabo, Danube International, Muehldorfer and Ingrid Lesage Creations.

During the exhibition, presentations and master classes with internationally renowned experts will take place on the stands of participants. Visitors will become participants in and spectators of an unforgettable spectacle and have the chance to see the latest equipment in action.

Thus, HOREX reflects the needs of the rapidly developing tourism and hotel business in Azerbaijan and will contribute to establishing new standards of quality.

SERBIA DESTINATION AT IMEX FAIR 2012

SERBIA DESTINATION AT IMEX FAIR 2012
Visiting the IMEX fair in Frankfurt, from 22 – 24 May, 2012? Do not miss to stop by Serbia Destination Stand E010 to catch up with the latest trends in MICE industry in Serbia. Join group presentations or discuss one -2-one various options for planning the events in the European fastest growing meeting destination.
Book your appointment now!
http://bit.ly/ywp4Qz

NEW SKI RESORT IN SERBIA
If you need to take a break from the busy lifestyle, think about finding a temporary refuge in Eastern Serbia. The Old Mountain (Stara planina) resort reveals pristine nature, fabulous landscapes and challenging ski slopes at 1,723 m above sea level. The recently opened 4-star hotel features prime accommodation and spa facilities, meeting rooms for as many as 100 delegates and all facilities for premier skiing experience, including the artificial snow system, state-of-the-art ski gondola, ski schools and rental store:
http://bit.ly/xzf9EW

GO 2 SERBIA – NEW WAYS TO DISCOVER SERBIA
With Go 2 Serbia brand you will discover many secrets of Serbia. If you happen to choose the Belgrade underground tour, it will take you to mysterious corridors and catacombs revealing the stories about 7.000 years of the city rich history.
Sign up for the clubbing tour or a bohemian tour and you will understand why Belgrade is the Capital of Cool:
http://bit.ly/A5uZ2i

MEETING STAR AWARD
Milos Milovanovic, Serbia Convention Bureau CEO was presented the Meeting Star award- Kongres Marketing Personality for 2011, at the recently held Conventa Fair in Ljubljana, Slovenia. Implementing wise marketing strategy and targeting the associations market, Serbia has made the significant jump becoming the European’s fastest growing meeting destination:
http://bit.ly/x7jevj